The initiative was launched after past Rotary president Michele Du Plessis, principal of Biggarsberg Primary School, highlighted the growing number of learners attending school in worn-out or unsuitable footwear.

With support from local businesses, donors and community members, the project has now provided 486 pairs of school shoes to learners at 11 schools in the Endumeni area.

Among the contributors was a Wasbank donor who gave 32 pairs of shoes, while Charlie’s SPAR sponsored another 50 pairs.

Financial contributions from Pick n Pay Dundee (R10,000), the Rotary Club of Dundee (R11,000) and Pick n Pay Corporate (R16,000) enabled the purchase of 276 pairs of shoes from Pick n Pay Clothing.

A further 128 pairs of Bata school shoes were ordered using generous donations and funds raised through the Step for Shoes walk.

Rotarian Waldo Thöle said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when community organisations, businesses and individuals worked together.

“Every pair of shoes represents more than footwear; they provide comfort, confidence, dignity and a better opportunity for children to learn and succeed,” he said.

“Together, we are taking small steps that make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.”

The Rotary Club of Dundee’s Step for Shoes project is helping learners across Endumeni walk into the classroom with greater comfort, confidence and dignity.

The initiative was launched after past Rotary president Michele Du Plessis, principal of Biggarsberg Primary School, highlighted the growing number of learners attending school in worn-out or unsuitable footwear.

With support from local businesses, donors and community members, the project has now provided 486 pairs of school shoes to learners at 11 schools in the Endumeni area.

Among the contributors was a Wasbank donor who gave 32 pairs of shoes, while Charlie’s SPAR sponsored another 50 pairs.

Financial contributions from Pick n Pay Dundee (R10,000), the Rotary Club of Dundee (R11,000) and Pick n Pay Corporate (R16,000) enabled the purchase of 276 pairs of shoes from Pick n Pay Clothing.

A further 128 pairs of Bata school shoes were ordered using generous donations and funds raised through the Step for Shoes walk initiative.

Rotarian Waldo Thöle said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when community organisations, businesses and individuals worked together.

“Every pair of shoes represents more than footwear; they provide comfort, confidence, dignity and a better opportunity for children to learn and succeed,” he said.

“Together, we are taking small steps that make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.”